Rental Scams & Rising Evictions: What You Need to Know Before Renting

In today’s real estate market, renters face two growing challenges: increasing eviction rates and a surge in rental property scams.

Recently, I attended a real estate and property management class where an industry expert highlighted something I’ve been noticing myself—evictions in the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) area are up by nearly 25%. And this trend isn’t limited to Texas—it’s happening across the U.S.

But that’s not the only issue renters need to be cautious about. Rental scams are becoming more common, especially on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Scammers often post fake listings, lure potential tenants with low prices, and then pressure them to send money quickly. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize it’s a scam until it’s too late.

So, how can you protect yourself?

Here are a few tips:

Fact-check the property – Don’t rely solely on online listings. Cross-check on trusted sites like Realtor.com.

Verify ownership – Search public tax records to confirm who owns the property.

See the property in person – Never send money without touring the home first.

Ask for legitimacy – If a landlord or property manager can’t provide a physical office location or refuses to meet, that’s a red flag.

Be cautious with online transactions – Most scams thrive on anonymity and the inability to meet face-to-face.

The bottom line: do your homework before committing to a rental. With eviction rates climbing and scams spreading, a little extra diligence can save you from financial loss and stress.

Stay smart, stay safe, and protect your future home.

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